Health

COPD symptoms, stages and treatment options

Posted on by CPAP Store
06
Mar

COPD symptoms can start out subtle and may take years to develop. By the time the signs and symptoms are apparent, your lungs are already significantly damaged. It’s very important to discuss any symptoms you have with your doctor right away.

What are the early signs and symptoms of COPD?

Feeling tired or exhausted

Shortness of breath, especially when you’re being physically active

A persistent cough that lasts for months

Other signs and symptoms of COPD

As COPD progresses, you may notice other signs such as:

  • A tight feeling in your chest
  • Excessive mucus
  • Frequent respiratory infections
  • Wheezing

Are you at risk for COPD?

COPD develops slowly and becomes worse over time. If you have risk factors such as long-term exposure to smoke (both first- and secondhand); exposure to chemicals, vapours and dust; or have been diagnosed with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, talk to your doctor about any symptoms you may have, Check the post for COPD Definition and Diagnosis.

Understanding the four COPD stages

Stage 1:
Early COPD

You occasionally have shortness of breath, coughing and mucus.

Stage 2:
Moderate COPD

You notice your airflow is getting worse, and being physically active often leads to shortness of breath.

Stage 3:
Severe COPD

Your symptoms are more frequent and worsening. Breathing is increasingly challenging, you’re coughing a lot and normal exercise isn’t possible anymore.

Stage 4:
Very severe COPD

The severity of your symptoms is significantly affecting your ability to breathe. Your lifestyle and mobility are very limited.

How COPD stages are diagnosed

Your doctor will be able to determine what COPD stage you’re in and what to expect from your treatment based on the ratio of your forced vital capacity (FVC) and your forced expiratory volume (FEV1).

  • FVC is the measure of how much air you can forcefully push out of your lungs after taking a breath.
  • FEV is the measure of how much of that air is exhaled in one second of your FVC test.

COPD treatment options

There is no cure for COPD at the moment, but the good news is there are treatments available to help you manage your COPD. Treatments may include:

  • Quit smoking: If you smoke, quitting is the first step to slowing the progression of the disease.
  • Medications: These can help you manage your symptoms and help prevent your condition from getting worse.
  • Pulmonary rehabilitation: This program combines exercise and education about COPD, and will also help you manage your symptoms.
  • Eating a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet can improve your overall health. If you are overweight, weight loss may help make breathing easier.
  • Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be an option when medications aren’t sufficiently managing symptoms.
  • Oxygen therapy: Supplemental oxygen may be prescribed if there isn’t enough oxygen in your blood.
  • Non-invasive ventilation (NIV): NIV machines help reduce the effort needed to breathe by pushing pressurized air through a mask or mouthpiece.